ReviewFinder Action Video Cameras

GoPro Hero 9 Black

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39 Verified Hands-On Reviews

To combat fake reviews we only accept video reviews from verified channels. Each review must show the product and the face of the reviewer.

Expert reviews [39]

108
Total expert reviews: 39
  • with a score: 20
  • without a score: 19
Highest score by The Verge
320
Average score based on 39 reviews
108
Lowest score by gadgets360.com
80

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20
ReviewFinder: authentic product reviews summarized by a powerful AI engine.

Expert consensus

The GoPro Hero 9 Black is a highly praised action camera known for its exceptional video quality, durability, and user-friendly interface, making it a versatile choice for capturing action-packed footage and creating high-quality videos.

The GoPro Hero 9 Black is highly praised by experts for its exceptional video quality, with the ability to capture footage in resolutions up to 5K. The camera's high bit-rate mode ensures excellent detail and dynamic range, resulting in crisp and colorful videos. The electronic image stabilization, particularly the HyperSmooth 3.

0 feature, keeps the footage smooth and stable, making it ideal for action-packed activities. The camera's various frame rate options provide flexibility for capturing different types of action footage. While it lacks optical zoom, it does offer a digital zoom feature.

In terms of storage, the Hero 9 Black relies on external microSD cards with a capacity of up to 256GB, providing ample space for storing footage and photos. This is particularly useful for users who engage in outdoor activities or travel extensively. The camera allows for easy transfer of content by extracting the microSD card.

The Hero 9 Black is highly regarded for its durability and build quality, featuring a metal exterior frame with rubber edges and front. It is also waterproof up to 33 feet, making it suitable for underwater photography and recording water sports activities without the need for an additional waterproof case.

This makes it an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts and action camera users.

The Hero 9 Black offers improved battery life compared to previous models, lasting around 80 to 101 minutes when recording continuously, depending on the video settings and usage. However, actual battery life can vary depending on factors such as video resolution and frame rate. It may be advisable to carry spare batteries or an external USB charger for extended use.

The user interface of the Hero 9 Black is considered user-friendly and intuitive, with easy navigation through the touchscreen on the back of the camera. The camera also allows for customization of buttons to suit individual preferences. The interface is designed to minimize tedious menu navigation and make it easier to find what you need.

While the standard package does not include extra batteries, the Hero 9 Black Bundle is recommended for those planning to purchase extra batteries. The bundle includes a second battery, a handhold grip for stability, a carrying case, a 32GB memory card, a floating handle for water sports activities, a magnetic swivel clip, a clip mount, and a travel case for added convenience and versatility.

Overall, the GoPro Hero 9 Black is highly praised for its video quality, durability, user-friendly interface, and expandable storage options. It is suitable for various use cases, such as capturing action shots, recording adventures, and creating high-quality videos.

Video quality

The GoPro Hero 9 Black is highly regarded for its exceptional video quality, offering 5K resolution, high bit-rate mode, and HyperSmooth 3.0 image stabilization, making it ideal for capturing action-packed activities.

The GoPro Hero 9 Black is highly regarded for its exceptional video quality. It is capable of capturing video in resolutions up to 5K, providing incredibly detailed and sharp footage. The camera's high bit-rate mode ensures excellent detail and dynamic range, resulting in crisp and colorful videos.

The electronic image stabilization, particularly the HyperSmooth 3. 0 feature, keeps the footage smooth and stable, even in rough terrains. This makes the Hero 9 Black ideal for capturing action-packed activities such as sports, adventure, and outdoor activities. The camera's various frame rate options also provide flexibility for capturing different types of action footage.

While the Hero 9 Black does not have optical zoom capability, it does offer a digital zoom feature that allows for some level of zooming. Overall, the GoPro Hero 9 Black is highly praised by experts for its video quality and is considered one of the top performers in terms of image stabilization among action cameras.

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Storage

The GoPro Hero 9 Black relies on external microSD card storage, supporting up to 256GB, making it ideal for users who capture a lot of content during outdoor activities, sports, or travel.

The GoPro Hero 9 Black does not have internal storage but relies on external storage in the form of a microSD card. It supports microSD cards with a capacity of up to 256GB, providing ample space for storing footage and photos. This is particularly useful for users who plan to capture a significant amount of content, such as those who engage in outdoor activities, sports, or travel extensively.

The camera allows for easy transfer of photos and videos by extracting the microSD card. Overall, the GoPro Hero 9 Black offers flexible and expandable storage options to cater to various user needs.

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Durability

The GoPro Hero 9 Black is a highly durable and rugged action camera that is waterproof and capable of surviving drops, making it an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts and action camera users.

The GoPro Hero 9 Black is highly praised for its durability and build quality. It features a metal exterior frame with rubber edges and front, making it tough and capable of surviving drops. It is also waterproof up to 33 feet, allowing for underwater photography and recording water sports activities without the need for an additional waterproof case.

This makes it an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts and action camera users who engage in activities such as hiking, biking, surfing, and snorkeling. The Hero 9 Black is designed to withstand tough conditions and is a reliable option for those seeking a durable and rugged action camera.

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Battery life

The GoPro Hero 9 Black offers improved battery life compared to previous models, lasting around 80 to 101 minutes when recording continuously depending on video settings and usage, but actual battery life can vary depending on various factors.

The GoPro Hero 9 Black offers improved battery life compared to previous models, thanks to its larger 1,720mAh battery. When recording continuously, the battery can last around 80 to 101 minutes, depending on the video settings and usage. For example, when filming in 1080p, the battery lasted for 101 minutes according to GoPro's rating.

At 5K 30fps, the Hero 9 Black recorded for about 80 minutes before powering down with a low-battery warning, which is approximately 10 minutes longer than the Hero 8 Black at 4K 60fps. A test conducted by Business Insider found that when shooting a video continuously in 1080p at 60 frames per second, the Hero 9 Black lasted for approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes.

It's important to note that the actual battery life can vary depending on factors such as video resolution, frame rate, use of Wi-Fi, and other features. Higher-resolution settings and intensive use of features may reduce the battery life. If you plan on using the camera extensively or for longer durations, it may be advisable to carry spare batteries or an external USB charger.

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User interface

The GoPro Hero 9 Black offers a user-friendly and intuitive interface, making it easy to navigate settings and access features, and is praised for its simplicity and ease-of-use.

The GoPro Hero 9 Black offers a user-friendly and intuitive user interface, according to expert reviews. The menu options and settings are easy to navigate, thanks to the touchscreen on the back of the camera. Users can easily change settings like resolution and set a frame with the on-screen buttons.

The camera also allows for customization of four buttons to suit individual preferences. The interface is designed to minimize tedious menu navigation and make it easier to find what you need.

Operating the camera and accessing its features is also considered user-friendly. The camera can be powered up by simply hitting the shutter button, and the initial setup process is straightforward. The only minor issue mentioned by one reviewer was the door latch on the side of the device, which requires a surprising amount of force to open.

Overall, the GoPro Hero 9 Black is praised for its simplicity and ease-of-use. It is suitable for various use cases, such as capturing action shots, recording adventures, and creating high-quality videos. Whether you are a professional photographer or a casual user, the user interface of the GoPro Hero 9 Black is designed to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience.

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Accessories and compatibility

The GoPro Hero 9 Black Bundle includes extra batteries and various accessories that enhance the user's experience and provide added convenience and versatility.

The GoPro Hero 9 Black does not come with extra batteries in the standard package, but there is a Hero9 Black Bundle available that includes a second battery along with other accessories. This bundle is recommended if you're planning to purchase extra batteries.

In addition to the extra battery, the Hero 9 Black Bundle includes a handhold grip, which provides stability when capturing footage on the move. It also comes with a carrying case and a 32GB memory card, allowing for more storage of footage and photos.

For water sports activities, the bundle includes a floating handle, which can be useful for capturing footage in the water. There is also a magnetic swivel clip that can be used to attach the camera to various surfaces or objects.

The bundle also includes a clip mount, providing additional options for mounting the camera, and a travel case for protecting the camera and its accessories during transport.

Overall, the accessories included in the GoPro Hero 9 Black Bundle enhance the user's experience and provide added convenience and versatility, particularly for those who engage in water sports or need stability while capturing footage on the move.

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Position in ranking

We maintain a monthly ranking that sums up expert recommendations for all action video cameras.

Rank Change Price Action Camera
Pocket-lint
Digital Camera World
Camera Jabber
Tom's Guide
Wirecutter
Popular Science
T3
TechRadar
WIRED
PCMag
1
- $249
GoPro Hero12 Black
The GoPro Hero12 Black is a highly praised action camera known for its exceptional video quality, durability, user-friendly interface, and range of accessories, making it a top choice for capturing action-packed moments and stunning footage in various settings.
1
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4
1
1
3
-
6
2
2
- $443
GoPro Hero13 Black
-
1
-
2
-
-
-
1
1
4
3
+2 Check price
Insta360 X4
-
3
-
6
3
-
2
-
7
3
4
-1 $300
Insta360 Ace Pro
The Insta360 Ace Pro is a high-quality action camera that offers industry-leading video quality, excellent image stabilization, durability, and user-friendly features, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
2
9
-
-
-
-
1
3
3
-
Show all rows
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The GoPro Hero12 Black is a highly praised action camera known for its exceptional video quality, durability, user-friendly interface, and range of accessories, making it a top choice for capturing action-packed moments and stunning footage in various settings.
Expert consensus not yet generated.
Expert consensus not yet generated.
The Insta360 Ace Pro is a high-quality action camera that offers industry-leading video quality, excellent image stabilization, durability, and user-friendly features, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
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